Only problem the 7 speed is SMG only , and is the only transmission offered. no real manual.

 

Wow... that's a really bad piece of writing.

8250 RPM and 100 HP/Liter - wow! It's almost a race car!

 

I really like most high performance, high tech, n/a engines, and BMW has always been near the top with their M engines but this one doesn't seem quite so spectacular. Sure it has 100hp/litre but the M3 and many other cars exceed this now. I would definately want this engine but for something apparently based on their Formula 1 design and with all the time and effort spent developing it I was hoping for something around or exceeding 110hp/litre. Maybe I just want too much, but I am sure they can do it .

EDIT: I have to love that rev limit though .

Aston

 

Don't get me wrong - it's a phenomenal motor. 100 HP/L out of an 5.0L LEV-approved factory motor is exceptional. That it spins over 8000 RPM is even more impressive.

The Gallardo motor is very similar spec-wise - in a car that's twice as expensive.

 

Exactly. Getting an inline 4 or 6 cylinder engine to rev that high and have a 100hp/L specific output is fairly easy now a days (RSX-S, Celica GT-S, S2000). But getting a 5.0L V10 to do it is where the impressive work come into it. Yes, same with the Gallardo. Having that much engine, and that many cylinders spin that high and with that much power is great. The Viper makes that much power, but with 3.3L more displacement, if that tells you anything. I think its an amazing engine.

And also, I personally like the SMG. I've driven a friends E46 SMG a few times, and I really like it. I get tired of clutching in traffic. The SMG is fun to use, and takes a lot of hassle out of driving fast. Sure, you miss rowing the gears yourself at times, but with a car like the M5, I don't think I'd miss it one bit.

Hilg

 

I agree - as long as there's no torque converter, it's all good.

 

wonder if it will fit in a 3 like the old V8 did? now that would be nice! hehe.

Chris.

 

whoa! now thats cool, one day i'll have the pleasure of driving this car, one day, now if i can only finish up my college studies.... doh! =-)

 

WORD!

Torque Converter =

7-speed SMG in an M5 =

Hilg

 

No pedal for clutch why bother. No option for a true manual .

 

Eh, no biggie to me. Like I said, I've driven a friends E46 SMG, and I don't really miss the clutch at all. But, sure, there are times when I wish I could stir the box myself, but its very not very often. I drive a lot in town, and a clutch is a P.I.T.A. most of the time. I think, with the new M5, the car itself is going to be such an experience as a whole, that not having a clutch will be a very very minimal negative on a car with sooooo many positives.

Hilg